Vish's Tips for Thriving in a Multi-Regional Environment

Vish K. | Director, Services Sales | Singapore

Originally Published: September 10, 2024

Step into the world of technology through the lens of my career odyssey. I'm Vish Kalpathi, and over the past 25 years, I've journeyed across three countries, immersing myself in the ever-evolving landscape of innovation. I invite you to join me as I unveil the key strategies and insights that have propelled me forward in this dynamic industry. Welcome to a journey of discovery, growth, and endless possibilities in the realm of technology.

I was born and raised in a small, yet enterprising city of Jamshedpur, India, best known as the home of TATA Steel. As an industrial city, it attracted people from all over the country. I was fortunate to grow up amongst a diverse set of people, both culturally and linguistically. This helped me immensely to appreciate the value of adapting to diversity and build strong relationships. I subsequently moved to the south of India in Chennai to pursue engineering in electronics and started my professional career with Allsec Technologies, as a Technical Account Manager for Dell Servers.

I pursued my masters in microelectronics engineering in Melbourne, Australia before starting a role in Technical Sales in the telco industry. Proper mentorship helped nudge my career away from deep technical engineering towards sales. This was to meet the strengths offered by the market, resilience that can be built by interaction with people, and hunger for the success that comes in a sales role. I believe it is extremely useful to have a mentor who can help shape your ideas during the early years. I moved into an Account Director role with Insight Enterprises managing global customers before joining Dell Technologies in 2010. The journey with Dell over the past 15 years has been a huge learning experience in its own rights. In 2018, I moved the Singapore in a regional role and have been here since.

Over the years, the three countries I lived in presented various challenges and opportunities. Here are some strategies that I have adopted to overcome these challenges and thrive in a global/multi-regional context:

Tip 1: Embrace Cultural Intelligence (CQ):

• Develop an understanding of different cultures, communication styles, and work norms. Adaptability is key when collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Learn to appreciate cultural nuances and be open-minded. Cultivate empathy and curiosity to bridge gaps.

Tip 2: Effective Communication:

• Leverage technology for seamless and constant communication.
• Be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid assumptions and seek clarification when needed.
• Understand time zones and plan meetings accordingly. Respect everyone’s working hours.

Tip 3: Build Strong Relationships:

• Invest time in building relationships with colleagues across geographies. Attend conferences, workshops, and team-building events whenever possible.
• Foster trust by delivering on commitments and being reliable. Trust is crucial for successful collaboration.
• Networking helps you stay informed, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities.

Tip 4: Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Be prepared for changes. Geopolitical situations, economic shifts, and organizational restructuring can impact your work environment.
• Stay agile and adapt to new tools, processes, and ways of working. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

Tip 5: Technology Literacy:

• Stay updated with technological advancements. Understand how digital tools can enhance productivity and collaboration.
• Learn about virtual reality, augmented reality, and other emerging technologies that facilitate remote work.
• The tech industry evolves rapidly. Invest in lifelong learning. Attend webinars, take online courses, and earn certifications.
• Stay relevant by acquiring new skills. Adaptability is crucial in a dynamic global landscape.

Tip 6: Resilience and Patience:

• Challenges will arise. Be resilient and maintain a positive mindset.
• Patience is essential when dealing with different time zones, cultural differences, and unforeseen obstacles.

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